Proper Clamping Sequences in the Fixturing of Prismatic Workpieces

The purpose of this article is to analytically interpret a recent experimental result (Cogun, 1992), which demonstrated the importance of the application sequence of clamping forces on workpiece accuracy. We analyze the stability of fixturing prismatic workpieces during different stages of clamping. Sequences of clamping described in this research assure the stability of the workpiece during clamping processes and relax the stringent requirements on the positioning accuracy on placing clamps. A procedure for estimating the clamping forces is also established.